Young Adults Socializing Spread Coronavirus In Cape May County

CAPE MAY COUNTY, NJ — Most of Cape May County's new coronavirus cases in the past week came from young adults socializing without regard for spreading the virus, according to officials. Most of them are short-term visitors from outside the county or New Jersey, according to the Cape May County Health Department.

Cape Regional Medical Center reported that many young people between ages 17 and 32 are showing up to the urgent cares and emergency room with symptoms of the coronavirus. Precise statistics weren't publicly released.

Cape May County has only reported 714 coronavirus cases — the lowest mark of any New Jersey county. But county officials expressed concerns about people disregarding social distancing procedures. The county has fewer than 100,000 year-round residents but typically has more than 500,000 on a non-holiday summer weekend.

“It is important for our business community and visitors to understand the importance of proper social distancing, hand hygiene, and wearing a mask,” said Cape May County Freeholder Director Gerald M. Thornton. “These are going to be the keys for continuing the reopening and keeping people safe.”

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The CMCHD began releasing data Monday on out-of-county cases not reported in the county's coronavirus totals. Officials reported 29 new cases last week from non-county residents, compared to 33 new cases from people who live in the county.

County officials reported 123 active cases, 530 people cleared off quarantine and 61 deaths as of Tuesday morning. The totals don't count out-of-county cases connected to Cape May County.

Ocean City has three active cases (two in longterm-care facilities), 39 people cleared off quarantine and two deaths as of Tuesday morning.

Read more: NJ Coronavirus, Reopen Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

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